Five of the best travel deals

FIVE of the best deals this week include a stay at Vietnam's famous theme park island resort, a secluded Bali villa for friends to share and skiing in Chile.

1 A taste of China

BOOK and pay a deposit on APT's latest China tour inspired by celebrity chef Luke Nguyen and your partner flies for free. The 11-day group adventure in China's southwest Yunnan Province costs from $4395 a person, twin share, with four departures between March and October next year.

Nguyen spent time travelling through this region filming his TV series, Luke Nguyen's Greater Mekong, and he will escort the March 11 departure over six days in the province. The price includes a cooking demonstration, hotels, 25 meals, flights in China (Kunming to Dali, and Shangri-La to Chengdu), excursions, entertainment, tipping and airport transfers.

ESCAPE to a secluded Bali villa and slice 50 per cent off your bill when you pay $275 a night instead of $550 for up to six people. Villa Tropis is set among traditional Balinese rice paddies minutes from Seminyak. This new, two-level, three-bedroom villa overlooks the tropical garden pool and has free WiFi and cable television.

Guests will have a dedicated housemaid and villa manager on hand eight hours a day as well as a chauffeur-driven car and free breakfast daily. Valid to book until November 30 or until sold out for travel until December 15. Minimum five-night stay.

INDULGE in a little boutique therapy in Milan and save when you stay four nights in a luxury hotel with return economy airfares through Cathay Pacific. Stay in the 5-star Melia Milano hotel, which boasts classic antique cars in the lobby, and marble bathrooms, and pay from $2320 a person, twin share, from Sydney. The flights travel to Milan via Hong Kong. On sale until August 10 for travel until January 14 next year.

HIT the slopes in Chile and receive four bonus meals a day and a seven-day ski pass from $1869 a person, twin share. Portillo, two hours from Santiago, caters for beginner and expert skiers and has a wide variety of nightlife and restaurants.

Stay seven nights in a standard room in the Inca Lodge (with communal bathroom) for bonus meals, seven-day lift pass and return airport/hotel transfers from Santiago. Valid for booking until 3pm on October 1 and valid for travel until October 9.

ENJOY eight days of luxury at Vietnam's famous theme park island resort, including five nights at Vinpearl Spa & Resort, with return airport transfers, all breakfasts, lunches, dinners, and unlimited access to Vinpearl Land. Plus, get two nights at the Hotel Equatorial in Saigon with airport pickup, buffet breakfasts and more.

The entire package is $799 a person (usually $1899), exclusive to luxury travel specialists DEALS.com.au. A family bonus means one child under 12 stays and eats free. The deal is available for one week.